Trucks Hobart IN

Ford’s leading the charge this year with its F-150 SFE . In this case, SFE stands for “superior fuel economy.” Designed as a package that can be applied to the F-150 Supercrew XL and XLT 4x2 models, the SFE trucks should be able to offer 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway without the use of a bed cover. The increase in fuel economy comes from low-rolling resistance tires, better aerodynamics, a thrifty six-speed transmission and a 3.15:1 rear axle ratio.

New Truck Features in 2009

2009: What's New In Trucks By Zach Bowman, Contributing Editor

Chevrolet Silverado The recipe for what constitutes a truck really hasn’t changed all that much since Henry Ford first dropped a bed on the back of the Model T. There’s an engine, a transmission that puts power to the rear wheels, a cab and a cargo area supported by heavy leaf springs. That engine usually sports plenty of power and lots of torque to handle towing a boat, tractor or whatever else owners needed to haul around, but pretty dismal fuel economy is also part of the package. In a world where 14 mpg is considered respectable, truck owners had been willing to sacrifice mpgs for brute capability.

Ford F-150 SFE

Dodge Ram Then gas pounced on $4.00/gallon. Suddenly short trips between the farm and the Farmer’s Co-Op cost as much as the feed on the trailer. With cars boasting ever-better fuel economy, owners began to ask why their trucks were getting what they were in 1970. To compound matters, manufacturers across the board were suddenly staring down the barrel of ever-tightening fuel economy and emissions standards.

To cope, truck builders everywhere have responded with some of the most powerful and fuel efficient trucks ever created. If you’ve been thinking about jumping into a new pickup, now’s a good time.

Ford’s leading the charge this year with its F-150 SFE . In this case, SFE stands for “superior fuel economy.” Designed as a package that can be applied to the F-150 Supercrew XL and XLT 4x2 models, the SFE trucks should be able to offer 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway without the use of a bed cover. The increase in fuel economy comes from low-rolling resistance tires, better aerodynamics, a thrifty six-speed transmission and a 3.15:1 rear axle ratio. Unfortunately, the SFE package can only be had with two-wheel drive models.

That may be bad news for those living in snowy climates, but for the rest of the working world, the F-150 SFE should do just fine. The truck is available with a locking differential in the rear, which should help to provide enough traction in slippery conditions. What’s more, Ford was actually able to up the horsepower out of the truck’s 4.6-liter V-8 engine – up to 292 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque out of the three-valve version. Base 2009 Ford F-150s can be had for $21,595.

While you can’t have the SFE package on every F-150 available, Ford has incorporated a number of fuel-saving techniques in each of its trucks. The biggest saver has to be the six-speed transmission, which allows the engine to breathe easier at higher rpms. In the past, the F-150 could only be had with a four-speed automatic.

Of course, Ford’s competition hasn’t exactly been resting on its laurels. Chevrolet’s Silverado is ready to dish up 21 mpg highway, too. The XFE two-wheel drive model is powered by a more robust 5.3-liter V-8 with 320 horsepower and 340 lb-ft ...

If you take a look at the dealer options for vehicles, they can seem pretty pricey and the question arises, can I get a better deal aftermarket? Each option holds a different answer to that question. Read on to learn how choosing the right options at the dealer can save you a bundle of money.